IB Math exams—whether you're taking Math AA or AI, SL or HL—are intense, fast-paced, and packed with questions that demand sharp thinking. Many students walk out feeling they could have done better with more time. That’s why mastering time management in IB Math exams is just as crucial as knowing the content.
Here are the 10 best time management tips for IB Math exams to help you work faster, reduce stress, and secure every mark you can.
Why Time Management Matters in IB Math
- Every second counts—IB examiners design papers so you must work efficiently.
- Running out of time often leads to leaving questions blank—even when you know the answers.
- Good time management reduces panic and improves clarity of thought, especially in multi-part questions.
🔑 In short, managing your time well = more marks and less mental fatigue.
Know the Format: Time Limits by Paper
Understanding exactly how much time you have helps you set realistic pacing.
IB Math AA and AI Exam Durations:
- SL Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes (no calculator)
- SL Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes (calculator allowed)
- HL Paper 1: 2 hours (no calculator)
- HL Paper 2: 2 hours (calculator allowed)
- HL Paper 3 (AI/AA only): 1 hour (calculator allowed)
Use this to calculate your time per mark—a helpful rule is 1.5 minutes per mark, adjusted depending on question complexity.
Plan Your Attack: Reading the Entire Paper First
Before jumping into the first question:
- Spend 3–5 minutes skimming the full paper.
- Identify:
- Easy questions for quick wins.
- Topics you're most confident in.
- Any multi-part questions that might take longer.
🚀 Starting strong builds momentum and boosts your confidence early.
Allocate Time per Question Based on Marks
- IB papers are mark-weighted, so time should be distributed accordingly.
- A 10-mark question should take roughly 15 minutes.
- Use checkpoints:
- Halfway mark: You should be around halfway through the paper.
- Final 15 minutes: Time to wrap up and review.
✅ Tip: Jot down time checkpoints next to the question numbers before starting.
Learn to Skip and Return
Stuck on a problem? Don’t dig yourself into a time hole:
- Skip it and mark it for return later.
- Spending more than 3 minutes stuck is a red flag.
- A fresh perspective later may help you crack it faster.
📌 Skipping is a strategic move—not a failure.
Don’t Overuse the Calculator
Especially in Paper 2 and 3:
- Don’t waste time navigating menus for something you could solve faster by hand.
- Use it for graphing, solving, checking—not for every tiny calculation.
💡 Practice calculator fluency before the exam so you’re not fumbling with buttons.
Use a Watch or Clock Strategically
- Wear a simple watch (non-smart) to the exam.
- Mark time at:
- Start
- Halfway
- 10 minutes left
- Use it to gently nudge yourself forward, not create panic.
📅 You can also split the paper in halves or thirds and track progress.
Practice with a Stopwatch Before the Real Exam
Simulate the real exam environment:
- Use a stopwatch or phone timer when doing past papers.
- Challenge yourself with strict time goals (e.g., “20 minutes for this question”).
- Build muscle memory for pacing.
📚 Combine this with markschemes for immediate feedback.
Keep Time for Checking and Unit Verification
In the final 5–10 minutes:
- Revisit skipped questions.
- Check rounding—most answers should be to 3 significant figures.
- Ensure all answers have correct units and labels.
🧠 This last check can recover several easy marks!
Stress Control = Time Control
Stress eats time. The more panicked you feel, the slower you think.
Try these techniques:
- Box breathing: Inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec.
- Use short affirmations like: “I have time. I have the skills.”
- If anxiety hits, pause and stretch your fingers or roll your shoulders.
🧘 Calm brain = focused math.
FAQs About Time Management in IB Math Exams
1. What if I finish early?
Use that time to review everything, especially rounding and skipped parts.
2. Should I bring a timer?
IB allows simple watches, but no digital or smart devices. Ask your school what’s permitted.
3. How many questions should I aim to finish in the first half?
Aim for 50% of marks completed by halfway, not necessarily questions.
4. Can I get extra time if I have anxiety?
Only if you have official accommodations. Speak to your IB coordinator in advance.
5. Should I answer questions in order?
Not necessarily. Many high scorers jump to the easiest ones first.
6. How long should I spend on Paper 3 questions?
About 20 minutes per question, since Paper 3 usually contains 2 main questions.
Final Thoughts: Train for Time Like an Athlete
Time management isn’t luck—it’s a trained skill. The best way to improve is:
- Practice under pressure.
- Review your performance.
- Learn from every session.
Don’t just “hope” to finish next time—train like it’s game day every time you practice.
Useful Tools and Resources
To sharpen your exam technique and timing:
- ✅ RevisionDojo’s IB Math Portal
- ⏱️ Pomodoro timers for math practice
- 📓 Time logs and pacing worksheets
- 📄 Past IB Math papers with markschemes
